Human–wildlife conflict in Matabeleland claimed 13 lives and left 10 people injured between January and November this year, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
Statistics released by ZimParks show that Matabeleland North recorded nine deaths and 10 injuries, while Matabeleland South recorded four deaths and no injuries over the same period.
All 261 reported cases in the two provinces were attended to by ZimParks teams.
ZimParks acting public relations manager, Tamirirashe Mudzingwa, said rising competition for natural resources, driven by climate change and population growth, continued to push people and wildlife into dangerous proximity.
“Rising resource scarcity driven by climate change and population growth remains the major underlying cause of conflict,” Mudzingwa said.
“As a result, humans and wildlife move into closer proximity with each other, increasing interactions and the probability of hostile encounters.”
The conflicts were most prevalent in Hwange, Victoria Falls, Binga, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Mabale, Gwayi and Jambezi.
Elephants, lions, buffalos, crocodiles and hippopotamuses were among the species most involved in the incidents.
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Mudzingwa said unsafe fishing methods, fetching water in rivers, and night-time movement in wildlife-prone areas were leading contributors to attacks.
Some cases also resulted from the deliberate provocation of wild animals.
To curb the rising cases, ZimParks has rolled out multiple interventions.
“We are conducting awareness campaigns, supporting community livelihood projects such as nutritional gardens, and fencing properties,” Mudzingwa said.
“We are also using geofencing tools like Earth Ranger and working with community guardians, who act as whistle-blowers when animals wander into human settlements.”
He added that rapid response teams were activated depending on the urgency and gravity of each case.
ZimParks is also encouraging long-term coexistence measures by promoting the establishment of community conservancies, which ensure that communities derive direct benefits from wildlife resources.
“Given our shared natural resources, ZimParks is promoting coexistence,” Mudzingwa said.
“Community conservancies empower communities to benefit from wildlife while taking an active role in conservation.”
